PARSIPPANY — Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Schools, has issued the following statement:
I am writing to outline decisions regarding our school schedule for the next several weeks. The following actions are designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of our community. I have communicated this plan to our Township Health Officer and our Board of Education.
1. Effective Friday, March 13, the district will suspend activities that are not directly related to the essential educational functions of our schools. This includes:
All high-density gathering events (concerts, drama productions, etc.) are suspended until further notice;
All field trips and competitions are suspended until further notice;
Our school facilities will be closed to all outside groups with the exception of
SKIP, which will offer Before Care on Monday, March 16 only. SKIP will not meet
after that.
Interscholastic scrimmages and practices are cancelled until further notice.
2. We will continue with a Half Inservice Day on Monday, March 16. There will be a half-day of school and we will use the afternoon for instructional planning. This is important so families may pick up medication from the Nurse’s Office, students without access to technology at home can be assigned a Chromebook, long-term assignments/books can be picked up, and personal items can be brought home.
3. The district will be closed on Tuesday, March 17 and treated as a Snow Day. The district will remain closed through Friday, March 27. We will re-assess and communicate again at that time.
4. Distance Learning will begin on Wednesday, March 18. The district submitted a Health-Related Closure Plan (available on our district website) to the County Superintendent and our Board of Education. This plan allows our district to receive credit toward the 180-day state requirement. Parents will need to log into Genesis in the event that their children are ill and unable to do schoolwork from home.
5. Families eligible for Free and Reduced Meals will be able to pick up “Grab and Go” meals at the front entrance to Parsippany Hills High School (West side of town) and the front entrance to Parsippany High School (East side of town) between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon beginning Wednesday, March 18.
6. Should Governor Murphy declare a mandatory closure, I will communicate a revised plan.
We are committed to the safety of our students, staff, and the community, as well as for continuing quality education for our students. Please know that our school principals and senior leadership will all be working and available for questions or concerns that may arise. We welcome your communication.
Governor Phil Murphy and Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli hold a coronavirus briefing at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center in Ewing on March 13, 2020.
PARSIPPANY — A message from Sam Yodice, Sam Yodice, Executive Director, Parsippany Police Athletic League:
After significant thought and consideration regarding the COVID-19 situation, I am writing with an update as to the precautionary steps the PAL is taking for the safety and well-being of our program participants, families and staff. PAL scheduled activities for this weekend would have brought the volume of residents well over 700 people on Saturday, March 14, with that volume would come an inability to properly disinfect the building throughout the day. Therefore, we have made the decision that ALL games/activities, day/night events from March 12 through March 15 will be been postponed or canceled. The PAL will revisit this closure on Monday, March 16; at that point, we will make a decision on activities on a week to week basis.
After many conversations and guidance from health officials, it is my decision that the PAL close this facility through the weekend. Residents are asked to be cautious about rumors and some less-than-accurate reports about this virus. Our responsibility is to keep informed by obtaining information from trusted and reliable sources, including the CDC, NJDOH, and not rely on certain media outlets and social media. Social distancing in all forms is the best method of controlling this outbreak. Community spread is low at this time, therefore social distancing techniques might have the greatest impact in keeping our community safe.
Please know that our respective staff members will do their best to reschedule programming at a later date. Our PAL continues to maintain our proactive approach to cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting our facility. As you can understand, these are difficult decisions to make. However, our number one priority is the health and safety of all. I respectfully ask for all of us to be mindful of our health as well as the health of the PAL families.
Once again, thank you for your continued patience and collaboration during this time. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
MORRIS COUNTY — As part of its efforts to best protect the health of its students, employees and the greater community against a COVID-19 outbreak, County College of Morris (CCM) has decided to close early for its Spring Break. All on-campus classes are canceled for Friday, March 13, and the campus will close at 1:00 p.m. Online and off-campus classes will be held as scheduled.
The college had announced on Wednesday that it had decided to close its campus in conjunction with its Spring Break, which starts Monday, March 16, to allow for a thorough deep cleaning and sanitizing process. The earlier closing has been implemented to provide an even higher level of protection.
Normal campus activities, including office hours and operations, will be suspended during Spring Break, which ends Sunday, March 22.
During Spring Break, individuals can continue to apply to the college, submit financial aid applications and register for classes online on the CCM website by clicking here.
Many of the events that were scheduled to take place at CCM this spring have been canceled, postponed or modified. For a list of those events and their status click here.
It is possible that the campus may remain closed beyond Spring Break. Updates regarding any additional campus closure will be provided by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Miracles USA Taekwondo celebrates the achievements of its elite competition team at the 2020 US Open International Taekwondo Championships held at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL from February 27 to March 1. The competition team earned a total of nine medals in a variety of Taekwondo disciplines.
The following athletes were awarded medals:
Isaiah Gonsalves – World Class Freestyle Division – Individual
Magda Greco – World Class Freestyle Division – Individual
Bronze Medals
Lucas Jong, Lou-Fei Sung, Connie Lee – World Class Junior Division Poomsae – Team
Philip Jong, Joshua Lee, Jaden Mach – World Class Cadet Division Poomsae – Team
Miracles USA Taekwondo also thanks Master Kim’s Taekwondo Institute of Rochester, NY, and KIMA of Hershey, PA, for their collaboration with our Miracles team. Congratulations to their athletes for their medal-winning Poomsae performances with our team.
The Miracles USA Taekwondo competition team is now looking forward to participating in the 2020 USA Taekwondo National Championships.
Miracles USA Taekwondo is located at Parsippany Shopping Plaza, 374 Route 46, Parsippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and has authorized county funding for needs related to this issue. Morris County will employ an epidemiologist and a public health nurse, allowing for a more rapid response to local issues that arise in conjunction with coronavirus.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management are coordinating regularly with officials in all 39 Morris County towns, school districts, and major healthcare providers.
“Morris County has proven time and time again that when the challenges are the greatest, it is the bond that we have fostered with our local governing bodies that will make us successful,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.
Officials across the county are working in concert with the state Department of Health and federal agencies to ensure they have the latest information to best deal with the virus. In particular, county officials are working closely with Atlantic Health and Saint Clare’s Health.
Connections have also been made with the large network of nonprofits that serve Morris County. It is vital that these providers are able to continue to provide the diverse and often essential support to the community.
“County residents should be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to be prepared to deal with this virus,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo. “Significant coordination has occurred and will continue to occur so that resources may be shared in the most effective way.’’
Morris County is working with health and medical professionals to take extra precautions at county government facilities, including the Correctional Facility, Juvenile Detention Center, Youth Shelter, and 9-1-1 Communications Center;
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Morris County OEM to support all operational activities.
The Morris County Communications (9-1-1) Center has implemented call screening tools for emergency medical calls to identify potential COVID-19 cases at the time of dispatch, so first responders can be aware of relevant information and take appropriate precautions;
Morris County OEM’s Mobile Ambulance Bus will have added equipment on board capable of assessing large numbers of patients in connection with COVID-19, if needed.
County OEM is encouraging EMS responders, physicians, and healthcare facilities operators to make early notifications to hospitals, allowing hospitals to be prepared for patient admission prior to arrival.
The following are tips provided by the Morris County Office of Health Management (consistent with CDC recommendations) to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections, including the coronavirus (COVID-19):
Stay home if you are sick;
Limit close contact with people who are sick;
Put distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump;
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles and cellphones;
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands);
Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.
Residents are asked to avoid rumors and some less-than-accurate reports about this virus. Keep informed by obtaining information from trusted and reliable sources, including the CDC, NJDOH, and their local health departments:
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m., the Parsippany Hills Players of Parsippany Hills High School will be performing their 2019 Spring Musical. This year’s production: Newsies! Set in 1899 in the streets of old New York, this 2012 Tony Award winning musical depicts the true story of the newsboys’ strike against Joseph Pulitzer for “a square deal”! The students of PHHS, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors, have been hard at work since January rehearsing nearly every day to bring this Disney classic to life!
Anthony Paterno
Come see the talents of: Anthony Paterno, Brianna Davies, Jack Raia, Caroline Berardo, Colin Smith, Rafaella Espinosa, Jake Murphy, Jade Schaffer, Brian Davies, Nicole Narvaez, Scarlette Horvath, Jack Reppen, Stacey Ikhelson, Charlie Love, Jameson Snyder, Matt Memoli, Meghan Lalo, Vincent Paglucci, Davida Padi, Aiden Waters, Emma Ludvigsen, Ava Cohen, Julia Heller, Ava Ignacio, Adam Roman, Jia Datwani, Kalyna Yurchuk, Matt Bumanlag, Malda Gobena, Tara Bilgeshouse, William Lanza, Allison Paterno, Vanessa Iradi, Kira King, Mia Suarez, Dylan Franz, Bella Brisson, Ava Cohen, Julzi De Stefano, Rhaya Lau, Joyce Luo, Courtney Rizzo, Sanaya Singh, and Alexa Stringham.
Show dates are Thursday, March 12, Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. Performances are held in the auditorium of Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
Tickets are sold at the door. $10 Adults; $5 Senior Citizens and Non District Students; PTHSD Students w/ school ID free.
MORRIS COUNTY — First Bank announced that it donated a record amount of time, talent and money during the 2019 calendar year.
The growing community bank, which offers 18 full-service branches throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, gave back $368,000, which includes volunteering nearly 2,000 hours of from its 200-plus employees.
“Giving is living,” said First Bank President and CEO Patrick L. Ryan. “We believe in building our communities and that begins with helping our neighbors.”
Helping the Heart of Trenton
The Rescue Mission of Trenton operates a thrift store at 100 Carroll Street which “is a vibrant part of the community,” according to Mary Gay Abbott-Young, CEO of the nonprofit. “And it works on three important levels. For those who donate, it provides a wonderful sense of giving. For those who shop here, it provides a very affordable way to find some great values. And for the residents of The Mission, it provides diversified job training.”
When Emilio Cooper, Executive Vice President and Chief Deposits Officer of First Bank, first visited The Mission, he was moved: “This is where people can come when they are in desperate need and most vulnerable. It is where they can get another chance. And it is done with such compassion, dignity and honor.”
Sensing his deep commitment, Abbott-Young asked Cooper to consider joining the board of directors. As a new board member, one of the first things Emilio did was oversee a $20,000 donation of office furniture, which helped many individuals and families in need.
Abbot-Young added, “My heart is always lifted knowing that we are connected to compassionate and generous individuals like Emilio and organizations like First Bank, who want to make a real difference.”
Supporting Young Children in Northern Jersey
When First Bank heard about Preschool Advantage’s mission to provide early education to young children, employees decided to participate in the nonprofit’s 24th annual golf outing at the Morris County Golf Club.
First Bank—which sponsored a foursome that included the community bank’s Northern New Jersey Regional President David DiStefano and Relationship Manager Thomas Bay—helped Preschool Advantage break the fundraising record set in 2018, funding more than 22 scholarships for children in need of help securing a great start at a quality preschool. Preschool Advantage has paid more than 1,500 tuitions throughout its history and assisted 102 children in 2019. (The organization is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year.)
“Getting these children into one of our 28 partner schools allows them to begin to interact better with others and develop like other children whose families don’t have economic constraints,” said Preschool Advantage Executive Director Molly Dunn. “We are pleased to have First Bank join us in our efforts to make a difference, one child at a time.”
Assisting Students in Need
In 2019, First Bank donated more than $60,000 to the West Chester, Pa., community through numerous organizations.
When First Bank employees heard about the West Chester University Foundation’s fight against homelessness among college students, they wanted to make a difference.
“We heard about the homeless students that we were completely unaware of,” said Ed Caporellie, the West Chester Branch Manager and an 18-year Downingtown, Pa., resident. “How can a student go to school and be homeless? We didn’t know that this large problem existed, and we decided to help.”
Joseph R. Calabro, who is the Pennsylvania Regional President at First Bank’s West Chester branch and a 21-year West Chester resident, said the bank plans to continue supporting West Chester University’s Promise Program that includes Resource Pantry, which provides food for hungry college students, and Fund to Finish, which provides emergency financial aid.
What First Bank Brings to Communities
There are several reasons why First Bank is one of the fastest-growing community banks in the nation.
For example, the bank believes in local decision-making. In other words, clients have access to First Bank’s decision-makers. The bank’s market executives have lending authority—and use it. For larger clients, customers can expect to talk to the bank’s CEO, who plays a pivotal role in helping to foster lasting business relationships.
Most importantly, the community bank views itself as a solution-provider, where everything begins with a conversation. First Bank’s employees listen intently and ask smart questions, so they can provide the best answer.
In addition, First Bank operates with a long-term mindset. It recognizes that its reputation is its most valuable asset. To preserve its good name, First Bank keenly focuses on delivering the best long-term results. By providing great recommendations and following through on its promises, the community bank continues to build its reputation and base of happy customers.
The community bank’s branches offer the bank’s full range of financial solutions for families and businesses, including:
Personal deposit accounts
Business deposit accounts
Certificates of deposits
Retirement accounts
Cash management services
Commercial lending
Lines of credit
Term loans
Real estate loans
The bank offers traditional deposit and loan banking services for individuals, families and commercial clients. The bank has approximately 210 employees working throughout New Jersey in Burlington, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Morris counties, as well as Bucks and Chester counties in Pennsylvania.
First Bank donated $3,000 to help Preschool Advantage break its fundraising goal at its 24th annual golf outing at the Morris County Golf Club last summer
PARSIPPANY — Registration is now open for the spring season of Girls on the Run in Parsippany.
Girls in third through eighth grade are welcome to join this empowering youth program that uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence.
Girls meet twice weekly for ten weeks with trained, volunteer coaches who provide engaging lessons on teamwork and joyful movement, leading up to a celebratory 5K in June.
GOTR is a nonprofit organization with locations across Union County. Please visit Girls on the Run NJ by clicking here to register. Interested in coaching? Contact program director Anne Klein at anne@girlsontherunnj.org.
Celebrating 20 years of inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident!
PARSIPPANY — Meet Lily! This gorgeous cowgirl is ready to find her forever home after birthing and weaning her pups!
Lily was rescued from a local, municipal shelter where she came in in very, very bad shape. Lily was part of a neglect case and they soon realized she was pregnant and reached out to us.
While Lily clearly had a hard life before coming to us, she could not be sweeter or friendlier with her family if she tried! Lily loves to cuddle, lay on your lap, and be a couch potato!
Lily definitely enjoys a walk and a romp in the yard, but she is not a high energy pup despite her being so young. Lily is potty-trained and walks well on leash. She would prefer a home with someone who is home more often than not because she loves being with people.
Due to her past, Lily has a hard time trusting strangers. She absolutely loves her family but will need people to understand her limitations with strangers. Lily can live with other dogs and children 16+!
If you’re looking for a dog who wants to give you all the love in the world and more, apply to adopt Lily today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — In an effort to be proactive in managing concerns about Coronavirus, the Morris County Surrogate’s Office is moving to technology based service effective immediately. In order to protect members of the public and county employees from exposure to the virus, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling is requesting that those needing to use our online forms and services do so electronically, not in person.
Thus, if you seek to probate a Will, seeking administration or seeking guardianship contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500 with regard to the use of the forms by clicking here.
“I made a campaign promise to employ technology in order to avoid trips to the Surrogate’s Court for those who may have difficulty accessing the office in person. Although this is not exactly what I had envisioned, it is a way to promote safety now while moving my office toward significant online operations in the future,” said Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling.
Many Surrogates employ ‘satellite offices’, such as libraries or municipal buildings, around their counties on a scheduled basis. This does not solve the problems of individuals that have great physical difficulty getting out of their homes, no matter how close the facility may be to their place of residence.
With the functionality built into smartphones, laptops and tablets, many attorneys now eschew formal office space in favor of meeting clients in the client’s residence, coffee shops, or office shares they use on only an as-needed basis. This also creates a more client-centered practice as schedules and value shopping no longer favor visits to law firms past with grandiose conference rooms with rich tomes at the end of granite hallways.
Darling said “The time has come for my office to catch up to the way business is done today and this public safety issue is as much a signal as a catalyst.”
PARSIPPANY — Members of Parsippany High School Key Club made over 300 bagged lunches for St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark.
Members of Parsippany High School Key Club with Mayor Michael Soriano
Each lunch included a bologna and cheese sandwich and a note of encouragement. They also provided water and snacks to go with the lunches.
Over 100 Key Club members came together to make the sandwiches and were joined by Mayor Michael Soriano.
The project was funded through club fundraising efforts and a generous donation from ShopRite of Parsippany.
Key club members bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup KitchenKey club members bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup KitchenKey club members bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup KitchenKey club members bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup KitchenTyler Wyka bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup KitchenKey club members bagging lunches for St. John’s Soup Kitchen
MORRIS COUNTY — An Auto Theft Task Force has been created to stop a persistent trend in car thefts and car burglaries in Morris County, as experienced by other counties in northern New Jersey. Vehicle owners, too, can reduce the thefts and protect their property by following a few simple steps.
In a recent three-day period alone in Morris County, six vehicles were stolen – in Madison, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Mount Olive and Roxbury – including two that were taken in afternoon daylight.
In 2019 in Morris County, 215 vehicles were stolen and another 233 vehicles were burglarized.
In 2018, 227 vehicles were stolen in Morris County and another 231 vehicles were burglarized, with valuables removed, but the vehicles were not removed from the premises. In the majority of these cases, stolen vehicles have been left unlocked by the owner with a key fob left in the car allowing a thief to immediately drive it away. Alarmingly, in some incidents in Morris County, suspects have entered victims’ homes by using garage door openers found in unlocked vehicles.
Once inside the homes, thieves have been able to locate key fobs and steal cars. Unlocked vehicles that do not have a key fob inside are also being searched for valuables. In some cases, car burglars have resorted to smashing windows of vehicles parked at gyms, parks, and day care centers and grabbing purses, wallets and other valuables left inside. Bank and credit cards stolen from inside these vehicles are being used in multiple locations, compromising victims’ finances. Of critical concern to law enforcement is that some vehicles stolen in Morris County have been used to commit violent crimes in other areas, such as shootings, armed robberies and homicide.
One incident involved a vehicle stolen from Parsippany that was used in a shooting involving three firearms in Essex County. High-end makes and models – Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Range Rover, Porsche, Audi and Ford pick-up trucks – are most commonly targeted. But when they are locked, and no key fob is available, other models are targeted. Communities targeted by thieves are generally close to highways, including Routes 80, 287, 46 and 24. Most of the vehicles have been recovered – 75 percent – but typically are damaged. The stolen vehicles have predominantly been disposed of in Essex County. Community members are asked to be the first line of defense in preventing car thefts and car burglaries. Law enforcement asks you to take simple, proactive steps to discourage thieves who roam residential neighborhoods in the dark of night, checking parked vehicles on streets and in driveways to determine whether they are locked.
Vehicles should never be left unlocked.
Never leave a key fob in a vehicle.
Neighbors should watch out for neighbors. Call your neighbor if you see that their car is unlocked or valuables are visible inside the vehicle.
Report any suspicious activity or person.
Call 911 to report crimes in progress.
To further combat this and other issues affecting our community, a multi-agency auto theft/anti-crime task force has been launched to enhance patrols and further investigations of auto theft and other pattern-type crimes. This initiative, first conceptualized by Chief Andrew Caggiano of the Montville Police Department, has come about through a partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Police Chiefs’ Association, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force, in coordination with various law enforcement agencies.
“This vital task force will help us identify thieves and stop a stream of offenders from entering Morris County to steal from people when they’re asleep, visiting a gym or store, or when they are out of their home at work. The task force will enable us to conduct immediate investigations, across county lines, in an effort to locate vehicles and hold suspects accountable more quickly,” Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.
Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano said of his call for an Auto Theft Task Force: “In Montville, we are a geographically and economically convenient location. As such, we are experiencing a scourge of vehicle thefts and burglaries. I realized that there is strength in the combining of our forces, and proposed the Auto Theft Task Force.”
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp lauded this initiative, saying, “Chief Caggiano has taken the lead on this effort. However, we need our residents to be vigilant to prevent these crimes.”
Law enforcement is also tapping into technology to communicate with neighborhoods where car thefts or burglaries occur and ask residents to check for surveillance footage that may prove helpful in identifying suspects and other vehicles that may have been involved. Several apps that use home Wi-Fi to alert homeowners to the presence of someone at their door or within range of a security camera can provide a high-density video stream of activity on the exterior of their property.
The critical aspect of this initiative is to partner with members of the community, who are asked to be alert and provide information to law enforcement so that they can target suspects committing crimes in the county. “If you see something, say something.” Not just near your home but anywhere you observe something suspicious.
The Morris County Auto Theft Task Force can be contacted at (973) 285-6300 or after hours at (973) 285-2900.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Parade Committee, in a joint statement with the Town of Morristown Council and Mayor Timothy Dougherty, have announced the cancellation of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
The announcement comes amid heightened concern of community spread due to the coronavirus, COVID-19. The Parade Committee and Town view the cancellation as a necessary precaution to minimize the spread of the virus and protect the health of our residents and visitors.
“We are disappointed by the decision, but it was entirely necessary,” said the Committee in a joint statement. “We’ve been cautiously optimistic that the parade could still go forward, but as other towns and cities across the country take the difficult but necessary step to cancel their events, we must as well in Morris County.”
The decision was made in a joint effort with the Morris County Parade Committee, Mayor & Administration Office, Town Council, and County Health Department.
The Committee and Town are announcing, however, that a separate parade is in the works for late summer. The September event will be the halfway point to the 2021 parade festivities. More details on the event will come soon. “We also remind all residents and visitors in Morristown that even young people can be exposed to the virus and carry it home,” said the Mayor.
“We join Parade Committee and the Town Council in asking people to take precautions and heed the advice of the CDC as they celebrate this weekend.” The public should be particularly mindful of the CDC’s recent guidance for older adults and other high risk individuals to avoid large crowds or gatherings. “I am obviously upset by the decision to cancel the parade,” said Mayor Dougherty.
“But the most important thing we have to consider is safety. Above anything else, we must take the necessary steps to keep our residents and visitors safe. There will always be more parades.”
The Committee and Town would like to thank Stephanie L. Gorman, Assistant Health Officer and Dr. Carlos Perez, of the County of Morris Office of Health Management for their analysis, recommendations, and guidance; and Trish O’Keefe, President of Morristown Medical Center, and her staff who have been in constant contact with the Mayor’s Office and provided vital information and leadership regarding the virus.
PARSIPPANY — “After the close of school on March 10, 2020, the Administration learned that a relative of an employee at Troy Hills Elementary School has come into contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The entire family has self-isolated and information regarding the employee or their family will not be released. Presently, neither the relative nor the employee have reported any symptoms and we ask that our school community respect these individuals’ privacy during this time,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent in a memo to parents.
Troy-Hills School is being cleaned thoroughly and in accordance with the guidelines from the CDC and our state and local health agencies. We have consulted with the local Department of Health and have been advised that this situation represents a LOW risk to the remainder of our school community and, therefore, it is not necessary for us to close schools at this time.
There may be families who, due to particular circumstances, determine to keep their student(s) home until this situation is clarified.Parents should exercise their best judgement in considering the risk and benefits that come with any potential disruption to a student’s education. Regular protocols should be followed for reporting any absence to your child’s school.
Understandably families will have questions. For any health-related questions, please call the State’s hotline at (800) 222-1222. At this time, the Department of Health is not recommending families, students and/or staff quarantine or seek medical help unless they experience symptoms. Of course, if a student or family does experience symptoms, we ask that you contact the school as soon as possible so that we may ensure that remedial measures are taken to both disinfect our district schools and mitigate any educational impact to your child.
PARSIPPANY — After the General Business meeting on Monday, February 24, club members and guests were fascinated by the speaker of the evening. Randy Tortorello from the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society provided a very interesting talk about the history of our town, the families and historic houses in the area.
He shared relics that have been excavated in the town – one was an arrowhead from a local Indian tribe. He was extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining.
Club members asked lots of questions and would love to invite Randy back again. In appreciation, the club made a generous donation to the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society.
Click here to learn more about our town’s history and/or the Parsippany Historical Society.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of NJSFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from September to April at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive.
For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here or follow the club on FACEBOOK.
PARSIPPANY — A former Littleton School teacher pleaded guilty Monday to invasion of privacy for placing a video camera inside the faculty bathroom while working there as a teacher, according to reports in Daily Record.
Christopher Esnes, 42, admitted to recording 12 adults for nearly six months in 2016 and 2017 as they used the toilet at Littleton Elementary School. He was initially charged with capturing intimate pictures of 19 unnamed adults.
Esnes would serve probation time and 90 days of community service under a sentence recommended by prosecutors at Monday’s hearing in Morristown. He has relinquished his teaching certificates and will forfeit his teaching licenses at sentencing on April 17.
On Thursday, April 20, 2017, a recording device was located inside an adult designated faculty bathroom at Littleton School by a school employee. The device was removed and the Parsippany Police Department was immediately contacted.
After a brief investigation by Detective Marcin Czajka, it was determined that the recording device was capturing footage of the toilet area and was placed there for an undetermined amount of time. Detective Czajka was able to determine that the recording device was placed there by Christopher Esnes who is employed as a teacher in the school.
A Parsippany-Troy Hills School district spokesperson said Esnes was suspended and has been barred from Littleton and all district properties. Esnes was receiving a salary of $77,914 at the time of his suspension, according to public records.
PARSIPPANY — Following New Jersey’s declaration of a state of emergency in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the statement below:
“The announcement of New Jersey’s state of emergency declaration reflects the serious public health risk that coronavirus presents to our communities,” said Representative Sherrill. “It’s critical that we listen to medical and public health officials for the most accurate and up-to-date information. My office remains in close contact with local officials and healthcare providers, as well as the Governor’s Office and Centers for Disease Control. I am working closely with the New Jersey delegation in Congress to ensure that our state is able to secure any additional resources needed. We have some of the best medical centers and life science professionals in the country, and I will continue to support their efforts in every way I can.”
Last week, Representative Sherrill helped pass the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package to respond to COVID-19. She convened a call with leaders from major hospital systems and primary care providers in the 11th Congressional District and a call with public health and office of emergency management officials from Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties to hear from them on COVID-19 preparations.
In addition, Representative Sherrill is hosting information from the Centers for Disease Control on her website for residents to get the most up-to-date information.
Residents who have questions or concerns should call New Jersey’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out-of-state phone line.
Additional resources are below:
The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.
The New Jersey Department of Health provides updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.
The U.S. State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.
MORRIS COUNTY — The presidents of County College (CCM) of Morris and Stockton University today signed a dual admission and transfer partnership agreement that will help students make a smooth transition from the two-year college to Stockton’s bachelor’s degree program.
The Transfer Pathways agreement strengthens the relationship between Stockton and CCM by offering multiple opportunities for students to affordably pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at the two institutions of higher education.
“We’re pleased to be offering this first-of-a-kind transfer agreement for our students to continue their higher education at Stockton University,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “Under this agreement, students from their first semester at CCM will be simultaneously enrolled at Stockton to provide a seamless pathway for earning their bachelor’s degree. The agreement further includes a dedicated scholarship program for CCM graduates to continue their education at Stockton. We’re proud to be further enhancing our relationship with such a great institution for the benefit of our students.”
Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said he is excited to provide Morris County students a new opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and take advantage of Stockton resources while at the community college.
“This agreement will help support students as they begin their degree at County College of Morris, and also provides the assurance that they can have a smooth pathway to a bachelor’s degree at Stockton,” Kesselman said. “We look forward to participating in their success.”
The terms of the agreement include:
Students who are denied direct admission to Stockton as a freshman applicant can receive conditional dual admission in partnership with CCM.
Students will attend classes at CCM but will also have access to campus activities and student groups at Stockton using a special Stockton Identification Card from Stockton’s Transfer Pathways program. Students are also eligible to apply for housing on Stockton’s campus, space permitting.
Students already enrolled at CCM can apply for conditional acceptance to Stockton while working towards their associate degree, and be assured of acceptance prior to the term in which they are ready to transfer.
Students who successfully complete their associate degree at CCM can automatically transfer to Stockton with junior standing. Application fees to Stockton will be waived for eligible students.
Students who complete at least 36 credits at CCM and a total of 64 credits between the county college and the four-year institution are eligible to receive a retroactive associate degree from CCM. Stockton and CCM will co-host “reverse transfer” information sessions for students.
Stockton and CCM will develop specific program-to-program articulation agreements for high-demand majors to facilitate the quality and ease of transfer.
Students will receive joint advising from Stockton and CCM and a Stockton advisor will have office space and a regular schedule at CCM.
Students will be eligible for financial aid from whichever institution they are attending.
Stockton will provide five one-year scholarships of $2,000 per year to CCM graduates whose admission to Stockton is covered by the agreement.
Stockton and CCM will establish an advisory committee to ensure best practices in recruitment, enrollment management, academic and student services, information technology, marketing and facilities use.
With this agreement, half of the 18 community colleges in the state are participating in the Transfer Pathways program. Other participating community colleges are Atlantic Cape Community College, Brookdale Community College, Camden County College, Rowan College of South Jersey, Mercer County Community College, Ocean County College, Rowan College at Burlington County and Salem Community College and is pursuing additional partnerships with other community colleges in the state.